Jaedyn Shaw? Olivia Moutrie? Every NWSL team’s breakout star so far in 2023

After five games of the NWSL’s regular season, players on all 12 teams are starting to settle in. In just over 450 minutes of play, we’ve seen incredible individual performances that have included everything from hat tricks and goalline clearances to goalkeeper-scored equalizers. Yes, that last one really happened. Players are starting to put their stamps on the 2023 regular season, but which ones are rising above the rest (and above expectations)?

Let’s take a look at one breakout star on every team, in order of the current NWSL standings.

Portland Thorns: Olivia Moultrie, Midfielder

Olivia Moultrie is in her third professional season with the Thorns, and she’s clearly aging like fine wine, even if she can’t drink it yet. Since her debut at 15, Moultrie has proven to be a solid option in a stacked Thorns midfield. Her passing ability has been on display in each of her appearances so far this year, and was especially impressive in her first assist of the season last weekend against Angel City.